5G UE Access Authorization for NR RedCap Capacity Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of low complexity UEs with reduced capabilities in 5G networks, such as NR RedCap devices, can lead to system capacity drops and network performance degradation due to their inability to meet service requirements, potentially damaging the operator's reputation and public perception of 5G technology.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus that authorize UEs with reduced capabilities based on their subscriber profiles, allowing access only to intended applications by obtaining and verifying authorization information from centralized databases or pre-configured settings, thereby controlling network access rights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If UEs with reduced capabilities are allowed to access the network, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but system capacity and network performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different UE types (full capability and reduced capability) to access different parts of the network service based on their capabilities. Reduced capability UEs are restricted to specific services or applications that match their capabilities, while full capability UEs can access all services. This resolves the contradiction by enabling simple devices to access the network for appropriate services without compromising overall system capacity for advanced services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of UE capability classification by introducing a new UE type with explicitly defined reduced capabilities. The network node identifies UE capability type through signaling parameters and applies different access authorization rules based on these parameters. This resolves the contradiction by creating a structured parameter-based system that allows reduced capability devices while maintaining system performance through differentiated service authorization.
2Ease of manufacture
If UEs with reduced capabilities are allowed to access the network, then ease of manufacture and device cost are improved, but network performance and service quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures reliable network performance by providing different service quality levels to different UE types. Reduced capability UEs receive authorization for specific services matched to their capabilities, while full capability UEs receive authorization for all services. This local differentiation maintains overall network reliability and service quality while enabling manufacture of cost-effective reduced capability devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that mediates between reduced capability UEs and network services. It receives capability information from UEs, determines appropriate service authorization based on UE type, and grants access rights accordingly. This intermediary function ensures that reduced capability devices can be manufactured at lower cost while network performance is maintained through controlled service allocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reduced capability UEs are authorized to access the network, then adaptability and market coverage are improved, but harmful factors and network interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces parameter-based authorization where the network node changes the authorization parameter based on UE capability type. Reduced capability UEs receive restricted authorization for specific services, while full capability UEs receive full authorization. This parameter-driven approach enhances network adaptability to serve diverse device types while preventing performance degradation through controlled service allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having UEs signal their capability type to the network node, which then determines and communicates appropriate service authorization back to the UE. This feedback loop enables the network to adapt to different UE capabilities while maintaining performance by ensuring each UE type accesses only appropriate services. The authorization decision feedback prevents harmful network interference by matching UE capabilities with suitable service requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by an apparatus for handling a User Equipment access to a radio communications network is provided. The UE is using reduced capabilities. The reduced capabilities relate to reduced capabilities for communication in the radio communications network. The apparatus obtains information about a subscriber profile of the UE. When the UE accesses to the radio communications network using reduced capabilities, the apparatus determines whether or not the UE is authorized to access the radio communications network by using reduced capabilities, based on the obtained information about the subscriber profile of the UE.